Oil Theft: Tantita Nabs Vessel With 8,100 Barrels Of Stolen Crude Oil

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Following the determination of the federal government to ride off the country of oil theft, the Tantita Security Services Limited has apprehended another vessel carrying stolen crude oil in Delta State.

It was learned that the vessel identified as MT Praisel was intercepted in the Koko River in Warri North Local Government Area by operatives of Tantita Security Services Limited.

According to report, the 1,117 tons vessel MT Praisel carrying 8,100 barrels of stolen crude was accosted on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023.

Source said, MT Praisel was being escorted by naval officers during when it was apprehended.

The Tantita operatives said, the vessel was flying a Togolese flag, and the Navy escort boat was led by a senior naval commander.

“We met strong resistance from the naval commander, who refused our men to have access to inspect the vessel. The Navy threatened to deal with our operatives.

“It took the intervention of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who authorised the Tantita operatives to inspect the vessel,” they noted.

It was further learned that the vessel was only authorised to carry products by the navy without any approvals from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

SA security source said the vessel had been taken into custody for further investigation.